Archive for: Play

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents their second stage production of the 2024 season. The Learned Ladies is a hilarious adaptation of the 1700’s french comedy by Molière that is translated and adapted by Freyda Thomas. This show provides a unique opportunity for the company to update a timeless classic for a 21st century audience. The production is Directed by Jeremiah Reeve with Assistant Director David Hewitt and Stage Manager Dimitri Tsahiridis.

Director Jeremiah Reeve

This story is one I’ve wanted to tell since I first read it.  Even though it was written in the 1600’s in a different language for a different culture, there is so much in it that rings true today.  I suspect that it will be like that tomorrow –  and a couple hundred years from now, too.

Some things remain the same.  There are always people who get overzealous when new freedoms are released.  There are always people who were already happy with the way things were.  And there are always people willing to do and say anything to access money and power.  The well-meaning get swallowed up by the swindlers; those wanting to learn get led astray by the liars.

It was true in 17th century France, it’s true today, and (unfortunately) it will be true tomorrow.
– Jeremiah Reeve – BRAC Director

It may be a literary classic, but some things do change.  The language of this production has been updated for a modern audience.  The set and costumes point to different eras, and there will be things that the audience never expects to see in a traditional, historical piece. For that matter, the director promises elements that even Molière himself, may not have imagined. However, over everything else, the comedy has not changed.  “Sometimes, the only way to face the truth is to laugh your way through it,” says director Reeve,  “and today’s story is that kind of story.  A comedy that is funny because you see your world (and maybe a little of yourself) in it.  Whether you enjoy change or not, I hope the humor of this timeless story makes you glad you came.”

The cast of The Learned Ladies includes: Abby Reeve (Belise),  Anna Brayman (Henriette),   Dorothie Goode Deornehis (Armande), Joshua McGeough (Lycandre), Claire Denton (Arista), Loran Polson (Martine),  Kyle Denton (Chrysale),  Mindy Law (Philamente), Wyatt Jacobsmeyer (Trissotin), Rachel Sager (Vadius / Emelie), Christian Anthony (Judge) and Brittony Tiger (Amelie).

Performance Dates of The Learned Ladies are Fridays (7pm), Saturdays (7pm) and Sundays (2pm) from March 15 – 24, 2024.

Advance Reserved Tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre Box Office at 417-336-4255.

Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was an actor, playwright and director who became one of France’s best-known writers for his work that ranged from simple farces to sophisticated satires. He was born in Paris on January 15, 1622. He was educated at the College de Clermont, a Jesuit institution, and received a law degree in 1642 from the University of Orleans. His father was a member of the bourgeoisie who purchased the title of Court Upholsterer. Moliere would have inherited his father’s title, but the theatre captured his imagination from an early age. While Moliere was regarded as the greatest French comedic writer and by many as the greatest of all French writers; he reestablished comedy to a place of honor in his time.

Branson Regional Arts Council

The Branson Regional Arts Council was founded in 1965 as the “Taney Arts Council,” and officially established 501 (c)(3) non-profit status as “Branson Arts Council, Inc.” in 1993.

Our mission is “to create exceptional artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for our community.”

Financial support  is provided by BRAC members, theatre patrons, private donors, as well as additional grant support from  the Missouri Arts Council and other organizations.

BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615

BransonArts.org

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents their second stage production of the 2024 season. The Learned Ladies is a hilarious adaptation of the 1700’s french comedy by Molière that is translated and adapted by Freyda Thomas. This show provides a unique opportunity for the company to update a timeless classic for a 21st century audience. The production is Directed by Jeremiah Reeve with Assistant Director David Hewitt and Stage Manager Dimitri Tsahiridis.

Director Jeremiah Reeve

This story is one I’ve wanted to tell since I first read it.  Even though it was written in the 1600’s in a different language for a different culture, there is so much in it that rings true today.  I suspect that it will be like that tomorrow –  and a couple hundred years from now, too.

Some things remain the same.  There are always people who get overzealous when new freedoms are released.  There are always people who were already happy with the way things were.  And there are always people willing to do and say anything to access money and power.  The well-meaning get swallowed up by the swindlers; those wanting to learn get led astray by the liars.

It was true in 17th century France, it’s true today, and (unfortunately) it will be true tomorrow.
– Jeremiah Reeve – BRAC Director

It may be a literary classic, but some things do change.  The language of this production has been updated for a modern audience.  The set and costumes point to different eras, and there will be things that the audience never expects to see in a traditional, historical piece. For that matter, the director promises elements that even Molière himself, may not have imagined. However, over everything else, the comedy has not changed.  “Sometimes, the only way to face the truth is to laugh your way through it,” says director Reeve,  “and today’s story is that kind of story.  A comedy that is funny because you see your world (and maybe a little of yourself) in it.  Whether you enjoy change or not, I hope the humor of this timeless story makes you glad you came.”

The cast of The Learned Ladies includes: Abby Reeve (Belise),  Anna Brayman (Henriette),   Dorothie Goode Deornehis (Armande), Joshua McGeough (Lycandre), Claire Denton (Arista), Loran Polson (Martine),  Kyle Denton (Chrysale),  Mindy Law (Philamente), Wyatt Jacobsmeyer (Trissotin), Rachel Sager (Vadius / Emelie), Christian Anthony (Judge) and Brittony Tiger (Amelie).

Performance Dates of The Learned Ladies are Fridays (7pm), Saturdays (7pm) and Sundays (2pm) from March 15 – 24, 2024.

Advance Reserved Tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre Box Office at 417-336-4255.

Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was an actor, playwright and director who became one of France’s best-known writers for his work that ranged from simple farces to sophisticated satires. He was born in Paris on January 15, 1622. He was educated at the College de Clermont, a Jesuit institution, and received a law degree in 1642 from the University of Orleans. His father was a member of the bourgeoisie who purchased the title of Court Upholsterer. Moliere would have inherited his father’s title, but the theatre captured his imagination from an early age. While Moliere was regarded as the greatest French comedic writer and by many as the greatest of all French writers; he reestablished comedy to a place of honor in his time.

Branson Regional Arts Council

The Branson Regional Arts Council was founded in 1965 as the “Taney Arts Council,” and officially established 501 (c)(3) non-profit status as “Branson Arts Council, Inc.” in 1993.

Our mission is “to create exceptional artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for our community.”

Financial support  is provided by BRAC members, theatre patrons, private donors, as well as additional grant support from  the Missouri Arts Council and other organizations.

BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615

BransonArts.org

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents their second stage production of the 2024 season. The Learned Ladies is a hilarious adaptation of the 1700’s french comedy by Molière that is translated and adapted by Freyda Thomas. This show provides a unique opportunity for the company to update a timeless classic for a 21st century audience. The production is Directed by Jeremiah Reeve with Assistant Director David Hewitt and Stage Manager Dimitri Tsahiridis.

Director Jeremiah Reeve

This story is one I’ve wanted to tell since I first read it.  Even though it was written in the 1600’s in a different language for a different culture, there is so much in it that rings true today.  I suspect that it will be like that tomorrow –  and a couple hundred years from now, too.

Some things remain the same.  There are always people who get overzealous when new freedoms are released.  There are always people who were already happy with the way things were.  And there are always people willing to do and say anything to access money and power.  The well-meaning get swallowed up by the swindlers; those wanting to learn get led astray by the liars.

It was true in 17th century France, it’s true today, and (unfortunately) it will be true tomorrow.
– Jeremiah Reeve – BRAC Director

It may be a literary classic, but some things do change.  The language of this production has been updated for a modern audience.  The set and costumes point to different eras, and there will be things that the audience never expects to see in a traditional, historical piece. For that matter, the director promises elements that even Molière himself, may not have imagined. However, over everything else, the comedy has not changed.  “Sometimes, the only way to face the truth is to laugh your way through it,” says director Reeve,  “and today’s story is that kind of story.  A comedy that is funny because you see your world (and maybe a little of yourself) in it.  Whether you enjoy change or not, I hope the humor of this timeless story makes you glad you came.”

The cast of The Learned Ladies includes: Abby Reeve (Belise),  Anna Brayman (Henriette),   Dorothie Goode Deornehis (Armande), Joshua McGeough (Lycandre), Claire Denton (Arista), Loran Polson (Martine),  Kyle Denton (Chrysale),  Mindy Law (Philamente), Wyatt Jacobsmeyer (Trissotin), Rachel Sager (Vadius / Emelie), Christian Anthony (Judge) and Brittony Tiger (Amelie).

Performance Dates of The Learned Ladies are Fridays (7pm), Saturdays (7pm) and Sundays (2pm) from March 15 – 24, 2024.

Advance Reserved Tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre Box Office at 417-336-4255.

Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was an actor, playwright and director who became one of France’s best-known writers for his work that ranged from simple farces to sophisticated satires. He was born in Paris on January 15, 1622. He was educated at the College de Clermont, a Jesuit institution, and received a law degree in 1642 from the University of Orleans. His father was a member of the bourgeoisie who purchased the title of Court Upholsterer. Moliere would have inherited his father’s title, but the theatre captured his imagination from an early age. While Moliere was regarded as the greatest French comedic writer and by many as the greatest of all French writers; he reestablished comedy to a place of honor in his time.

Branson Regional Arts Council

The Branson Regional Arts Council was founded in 1965 as the “Taney Arts Council,” and officially established 501 (c)(3) non-profit status as “Branson Arts Council, Inc.” in 1993.

Our mission is “to create exceptional artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for our community.”

Financial support  is provided by BRAC members, theatre patrons, private donors, as well as additional grant support from  the Missouri Arts Council and other organizations.

BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615

BransonArts.org

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents William Shakespeare’s classic play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as adapted for the stage by Josh Boulden.

Four public performances are scheduled at the Historic Owen Theatre on Thursday, September 7, 2023 (7pm), Sunday, September 10, 2023 (2pm), Thursday, September 14, 2023 (7pm), and Sunday, September 17, 2023 (2pm).

Advance Reserved Tickets are recommended and available online at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre Box Office at 417-336-4255. $20 Adults (18+), $12 Youth (4-17).

 Attention Area Schools: A special matinee performance is being  planned for Monday, September 11th  at 11:00am for area public, private and home schools to attend. This will include an educational aspect where the students will have an opportunity to learn more about Shakespeare and this production. Interested teachers or education leaders should contact BRAC for further information at edu@bransonarts.org or 417-336-4255.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy written by William Shakespeare in about 1595 or 1596. The BRAC production, as adapted by Josh Boulden, is set in Athens, and consists of several subplots that revolve around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta. One subplot involves a conflict among four Athenian lovers. Another follows a group of six amateur actors rehearsing the play which they are to perform before the wedding. Both groups find themselves in a forest inhabited by fairies who manipulate the humans and are engaged in their own domestic intrigue. The play is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and is widely performed.

The production is under the direction of Josh Boulden, and cast members include: Megan King (Hermia), Jon Michael Thompson (Lysander), Josie Holman (Helena), Seth Coker (Demetrius), Cody Croxford (Oberon/Theseus), Olyvia Shaw (Titania/Hippolyta), Sara Boehm (Robin Goodfellow/Philostrate), Mariah K. Garrett (Nick Bottom),  Jackie Zliczewski (Peter Quince), Brandon Farrar (Francis Flute/Egeus), Natalie Hensarling (Tom Snout), Kahrie Stegman (Snug), and CJ McElhiney (Robin Starveling).

Branson Regional Arts Council

The Branson Regional Arts Council was founded in 1965 as the “Taney Arts Council,” and officially established 501 (c)(3) non-profit status as “Branson Arts Council, Inc.” in 1993.

Our mission is “to create exceptional artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for our community.”

Financial support  is provided by BRAC members, theatre patrons, private donors, as well as additional grant support from  the Missouri Arts Council and other organizations.

BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615

BransonArts.org

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents William Shakespeare’s classic play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as adapted for the stage by Josh Boulden.

Four public performances are scheduled at the Historic Owen Theatre on Thursday, September 7, 2023 (7pm), Sunday, September 10, 2023 (2pm), Thursday, September 14, 2023 (7pm), and Sunday, September 17, 2023 (2pm).

Advance Reserved Tickets are recommended and available online at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre Box Office at 417-336-4255. $20 Adults (18+), $12 Youth (4-17).

 Attention Area Schools: A special matinee performance is being  planned for Monday, September 11th  at 11:00am for area public, private and home schools to attend. This will include an educational aspect where the students will have an opportunity to learn more about Shakespeare and this production. Interested teachers or education leaders should contact BRAC for further information at edu@bransonarts.org or 417-336-4255.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy written by William Shakespeare in about 1595 or 1596. The BRAC production, as adapted by Josh Boulden, is set in Athens, and consists of several subplots that revolve around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta. One subplot involves a conflict among four Athenian lovers. Another follows a group of six amateur actors rehearsing the play which they are to perform before the wedding. Both groups find themselves in a forest inhabited by fairies who manipulate the humans and are engaged in their own domestic intrigue. The play is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and is widely performed.

The production is under the direction of Josh Boulden, and cast members include: Megan King (Hermia), Jon Michael Thompson (Lysander), Josie Holman (Helena), Seth Coker (Demetrius), Cody Croxford (Oberon/Theseus), Olyvia Shaw (Titania/Hippolyta), Sara Boehm (Robin Goodfellow/Philostrate), Mariah K. Garrett (Nick Bottom),  Jackie Zliczewski (Peter Quince), Brandon Farrar (Francis Flute/Egeus), Natalie Hensarling (Tom Snout), Kahrie Stegman (Snug), and CJ McElhiney (Robin Starveling).

Branson Regional Arts Council

The Branson Regional Arts Council was founded in 1965 as the “Taney Arts Council,” and officially established 501 (c)(3) non-profit status as “Branson Arts Council, Inc.” in 1993.

Our mission is “to create exceptional artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for our community.”

Financial support  is provided by BRAC members, theatre patrons, private donors, as well as additional grant support from  the Missouri Arts Council and other organizations.

BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615

BransonArts.org